Capital idea

The speed of growth in the region has attracted attention from foreign shores for many years, but a regional business investing in regional talent has yet to come make it big – until now. James Bennett meets Dr Karim El Solh, CEO of Gulf Capital, and uncovers how the Middle East has at last produced a homegrown champion

Abu Dhabi goes from strength to strength

With Abu Dhabi’s development potential starting to be realised, Christopher Sell profiles some of the major projects that are set to shape the UAE capital’s future.

Future capital

With over US$100bn of projects in hand, UAE capital Abu Dhabi is launching its own assault on the Middle East property market — and Aldar Properties is at the forefront of the emirate’s burgeoning reputation as a leading real estate hub.

Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island to undergo development

Property developer Aldar Properties has announced plans to turn Yas Island, one of Abu Dhabi’s largest natural islands, into a major leisure development

Aldar Properties turns in a healthy net profit

Aldar Properties, the real estate company developing the Al Raha Beach, Al Yas Island, and the central market in Abu Dhabi, has announced a US $340 million (AED 1.25 billion) net profit for the fiscal year ending 31 December 2006

Abu Dhabi gets green light for F1

The UAE capital has signed a seven-year deal to host a Formula One Grand Prix; racing will start in 2009.

Aldar may increase bond issue to $1.5bn

The UAE's Aldar has set the price guidance on its bond issue, which it plans to list in London.

Aldar may increase bond issue to $1.5bn

Aldar Properties has set the price guidance on its bond issue, which it plans to list on the London stock exchange.

UAE construction costs set to soar by 20%

Aldar Properties predicts a costs to rise be a fifth this year, following a surge in 2006.

Aldar to allow 40% foreign ownership

The property developer is set to allow non-UAE nationals to own up to 40% of its shares.

European trends unveiled in Abu Dhabi

New ALDAR show homes, decorated by six top interior designers, are launched.

Al Raha Gardens to have in-house FM

Aldar wants to ensure after-sales quality by keeping control of development's facilities management.

Aldar's project ahead of schedule

The Abu Dhabi developer claims that its flagship Central Market project is on track.

Emaar to hold 55% more land in Dubai

Dubai Holding deal could boost Emaar's UAE land bank to $12.9bn, say analysts.

District Cooling for Aldar Properties

Joint venture sees building of 25 new district cooling plants.

Abu Dhabi property powers join forces

The UAE capital's four major property developers create new entity to take on global markets.

Tabreed ties up for AD cooling

Tabreed has entered into a joint venture with Abu Dhabi-based Aldar Properties to build 25 new district cooling plants in the UAE capital.

Tabreed and Aldar joint venture

District cooling company Tabreed and real estate firm Aldar Properties have entered into a joint venture to build 25 district cooling plants in Abu Dhabi.

Aldar to invest $545m in al-Ain

Development will include hotels, offices, and seven towers with apartments for UAE nationals.

The future looks bright

Graham Yates, head of Aldar Facilities Management Businesses talks strategic alliances, lifecycle costing and his plans for the future, with facilities management Middle East.